Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan

Story by Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow

Members of the Afghan National Army Air Corps Quick Reaction Force are on stand-by 24 hours a day seven days a week and are ready to respond to any incident, accident or event that affects ANAAC resources. The team also provides security to the surrounding hills of the Kabul region to ensure city and rural areas are secure.

The QRF teams train in a variety of conditions, climates and environments. This training also focuses on night operations to further sharpen their skills for Afghan security.

"We are ready to provide security inside and outside the air base and to provide a peaceful environment for people," said Lt. Col. Qyamudin Safi, ANAAC Security Forces commander.

Night operations training gives them practice with fire team drills and teaches the team to use night vision goggles for special weapons tactics and driving HMVEEs. Learning these tactics and using the equipment properly is vital to the team's success according to their mentors from the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisor Group.

"It gives our QRF members the ability to operate in the urban and rural areas, to engage any threat at night where the enemy may not even see them," said U.S. Air Force Capt Kevin McMahon, Security Forces team lead. "It's a huge force multiplier for them."

The QRF team endures many long days and nights with increased foot patrols and the additional night training. According to TSgt Kelly Mylott, 438th AEAG Security Forces mentor, team mentors find the preparation has paid off and the team has become experienced professionals in the last three months .

"I would feel fully confident going out on patrol with them anytime," said Mylott.

The ANAAC QRF continues to train and perform real-world security missions and has increased their training to ensure safety for Afghans.

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